Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has revealed he was diagnosed with early-stage prostate cancer last year and has undergone successful treatment, declaring himself in excellent health.
The 76-year-old leader disclosed the information on Friday in a statement accompanying the publication of his annual medical report, which he deliberately delayed by two months.
“Today, my annual medical report was published. I requested to delay its publication by two months so that it would not be released at the height of the war, in order not to allow the Iranian terror regime to even spread more false propaganda against Israel,” Netanyahu wrote on his official X account.
He reassured the public about his current condition. “I am here to share with you three things, thank God I am healthy, I am in excellent physical condition, I had minor issues with my prostate that was completely treated. Thank God it’s behind me,” he stated.
Netanyahu explained that the cancer was detected during routine monitoring following surgery a year and a half ago for an enlarged benign prostate. “In the last monitoring, a tiny spot less than a centimeter was discovered in the prostate. Upon examination, it turned out to be a very early stage of a malignant tumor, with no spread or metastases whatsoever,” he said.
Doctors presented two options: continued monitoring or immediate treatment. Netanyahu chose the latter. “You already know me, when I am given information about a potential danger, I want to address it immediately. That’s true on a personal and national level. That’s what I did. I underwent targeted treatment that removed the problem and left no trace of it,” he added.
The disclosure comes as Israel continues to navigate complex regional security challenges. Netanyahu sought to project strength and continuity in leadership, emphasising that the issue is fully resolved.
This is not the first recent medical procedure for the long-serving prime minister. In March 2024, he underwent hernia surgery at Hadassah Medical Center in Jerusalem, from which he recovered swiftly.
Medical experts note that early-stage prostate cancer, when detected promptly and with no metastasis, often carries a favourable prognosis, particularly when treated aggressively as Netanyahu chose.
No immediate reaction from opposition figures or coalition partners was available. Netanyahu’s office has not released further medical details beyond the prime minister’s personal statement.
The announcement has drawn attention to the importance of routine health screenings for men, especially those in high-stress public roles.
